Tips for Cleaning Cotton Rugs: How to Clean a Cotton Rug Like an Expert

Cotton rugs are a great addition to any home. They keep your feet warm, they make the floor much comfier to walk on, and they can really contribute to the look of a room. They come in many different colours, sizes, and shapes, so it’s easy to find one that fits your place. 

However, due to their size and the fact they constantly come into direct contact with our shoes and pets, cotton rugs need to be given deep cleanings at least once a year to keep them from becoming grungy or even mouldy.

So how do you clean a cotton or synthetic fibre rug? Should you do your carpet cleaning in Dublin yourself, or contact a carpet cleaning service and get a price quote? Which carpet shampoo should you use? That’s what we’ll be discussing in this article. Keep reading to learn more. 

How do you clean a 100% cotton area rug?

Cotton is one of the most popular rug materials in the world due to its lightness and the fact it costs less than wool. With proper maintenance and quality cleaning products, they can last for many years and not look any worse for wear. 

Here’s how to deep clean a cotton rug:

  • Step #1: Give the top of the rug a thorough vacuuming, then flip it over and vacuum the back as well. Dip an old toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide and use it to spot-clean any stains. 
  • Step #2: Take the rug outside and hang it from a laundry hanger or a fence. Then grab a broom and give the rug a vigorous whacking until all the dust comes out. 
  • Step #3: Take your carpet shampoo of choice and apply it in accordance with manufacturer instructions. 
  • Step #4: Pick up all the excess water with a towel, and then let the rug dry outside for at least 24 hours.
  • Step #5: Vacuum the rug again. 

Non-colourfast cotton rugs

Not all cotton rugs are colourfast. This means your rug has been dyed in colours that aren’t water-resistant. Luckily, non-colourfast rugs can be dry-cleaned: this is also a good option if you’re worried about damaging your hardwood floor while cleaning

Follow these steps:

  • Step #1: Thoroughly vacuum both the back and the front side of your rug.
  • Step #2: Sprinkle the entire surface of the rug with the appropriate dry-cleaning powder.
  • Step #3: Gently work the powder into the cotton fibres using a soft-bristled brush.
  • Step #4: Use your vacuum cleaner to remove the remains of the powder at the end of the cleaning.

Can you machine wash cotton rugs?

One of the biggest advantages cotton has over other rug fibres is that it’s fully washable. So the answer to this question is yes: you can totally wash your rug in a washing machine if it’s small enough to fit into the drum. 

When machine washing a cotton rug, always use a gentle cycle and wash on a cold setting to keep from damaging the fibre. Afterward, take the rug outside and let it air dry completely. If your rug is too big for your washing machine, you can always take it to the laundromat. 

Who provides reliable carpet cleaning in Dublin at a reasonable price?

No matter which approach you take, cleaning an area rug is almost always an exhausting, time-consuming chore. For this reason, most homeowners prefer to outsource their rug and carpet cleaning to a trusted company like Emerald Carpet Cleaning with their affordable prices.

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Our insured and highly trained technicians will happily attend to your rug-cleaning needs while you enjoy a relaxing afternoon at St Stephen’s Green. Get in touch with us today and enjoy our transparent pricing and easy booking system. 

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